Keylogger is a piece of software that can capture or read every keystroke on a keyboard. It can be run in the background and not get noticed by most people. The easiest way to notice a keylogger in a machine is by using something like anti-keylogger or antivirus. Or else most people won’t notice at all.
Don’t be afraid, there are some legitimate reasons to use keyloggers, we assume that this is why you’re here. For example: monitoring your children, making sure they’re safe on the Internet from strangers or other harmful elements, or monitoring your employees. Anyway, here some good and free keylogger software that is non-intrusive.
Top 5 Best Free Keylogger Software Monitor Keystrokes in Windows
1. BlackBox Express Keylogger
If you need the best keylogger for windows, maybe this one in your list. BlackBox Express Keylogger is a security monitoring tool first. The reason why it’s listed, cause it has a keylogger function. It’s a bit old, dated way back to 2011 for the free version. You can download it anymore from the official website but it does work on Windows 10.
It’s powerful too, it can monitor 1 local PC and up to 200 remote PCs on the network, making it a good tool for the office environment. Nothing much can be said from the interface, it’s old software so it looks kind of ugly.
BlackBox Express can log keystrokes, web searches, ran programs, visited websites, email client programs, webmails, instant messaging chat programs, and capture screenshots. Practically everything on an office PC.
you can customize it too, for example excluding certain users from being monitored and adding alerts for specific keywords, websites, and programs. BlackBox Express can run silently in the background as a service but it will still show in Task Manager, desktop shortcut, Start menu, installed programs list, and in programs files.
So, you should cover your tracks first if you want it to be completely invisible. It can’t be launched with a key combination shortcut to prevent the accidental run. It can only be run from its executable file in the program folder.
This is a free keylogger and for more security, you can set up a password so other people can’t check out the logs. Make sure that you download the software from a reputable website to avoid you being keylogged by other people.
2. Real Free Keylogger
Real Free Keylogger is the best free keylogger software you can run on Windows. This software is perfect for people who want a simple and lightweight keylogger. No extra features that you don’t need. Still, a decent keylogger even though it has been abandoned by its developers.
The last updated version is 2.5 released back in 2014. If you’re running an older machine, this software will work with no problems but in newer machines, there may be some compatibility issues.
After you’re done installing the software, it will tell you to set up a password to protect itself so only you or people with the password can access the settings and view the logs. It also has a scheduler to automatically start logging and the log files can be exported as an HTML file.
You can up a hotkey to launch the software, the default is Ctrl + Alt + X. When you press the hotkey, it will launch in stealth mode. The UI isn’t bad at all, very easy to understand. You can clearly see all the important settings and menu to operate the keylogger.
The Stealth Mode is a paid feature but, please don’t worry about that, it can be completely ignored. The software conceals itself well enough already. The program folder is set as System, with no Start menu entry, no installed programs entry, and no tray or desktop icons. Casual users won’t notice the software at all.
A couple of processes still appear in Task Manager but they won’t be that easy to spot. They can blend in enough to possibly stop them from being noticed and killed.
3. Spyrix Free Keylogger
Spyrix Free Keylogger is as the name suggests, the free keylogger software version of the paid Spyrix Personal Monitor. The keylogger is part of a bigger piece of software. It can capture keystrokes, clipboard text, and take screenshots.
In the free version, you won’t be able to use features like a social network and IM capture, visited webpage logging, webcam snapshots, sound recording, and alerts. Those features are part of the paid versions.
Spyrix Free Keylogger can be launched with a hotkey, the default is Ctrl + Alt + A or run command and can be protected with a password to prevent random people from using it.
We think that the free version is more than enough. There is no need to pay for the advanced features, in fact the advanced features are turning it into bloatware. Besides, Spyrix does poorly in hiding itself.
Its stealth capabilities are non-existent. The process in Task Manager and the install folder are visible. That is kind of ruining the point of being a keylogger. It can be easily identified and killed by average users.
But if you don’t want to use other keyloggers, and you only want to monitor your kids, then this software should be good enough.
4. KidLogger
KidLogger is free Keylogger software. Speaking of monitoring your kids’ computer usage, KidLogger is a good solution. It’s an open-source user activity monitoring tool, 100% free. Besides keylogging and clipboard monitoring, it can record USB drive insertions, file/folder activity, microphone audio, browser history, and take screenshots including Skype videos.
You can also certain keywords as alert during capture. Pretty awesome features for such a small and free tool. The log files can be easily accessed locally or from your KidLogger online account which is optional. Make sure to delete the shortcut on the desktop after installation.
Unfortunately, it has some weaknesses. KidLogger can be seen in Task Manager, Start menu, Program Files folder, and installed program list. KidLogger can be locked with a password but that won’t help if the program is killed from Task Manager.
For intermediate users, finding and killing KidLogger won’t be much of a challenge. If stealth is not an issue or not on your priority list, KidLogger is a great option for you.
5. Revealer Keylogger Free
Revealer Keylogger Free is another free keylogger software. It’s able to record keystrokes, supports multiple languages, customizable startup settings, elevated privileges, hotkey supports (default is Ctrl + Alt + F9), can be password protected, and has automatic log cleanup.
You can use those features for free. Advanced features such as screenshot capture and automated delivery options are available on the paid version.
The free version’s ability to hide isn’t the best but still better than other free keyloggers. Revealer Keylogger Free is not visible in the system tray, Start menu, or installed programs list. To casual users won’t notice the software at all.
Remember that, it can’t hide in Task Manager, program files, and startup entry. Unless you’re hiding it from advanced users, that shouldn’t be a problem at all.
The elevated privileges feature is very underrated in pieces of software such as keyloggers. Elevated privileges will make sure that there no annoying problems caused by your OS trying to prevent the software from running.
The same goes for automatic log clean up. Too much logging can be a problem in the future for any free keylogger software.
FAQ: Keylogger Software
What is a keylogger and how does it work?
A keylogger is a software that could track the activities (keys pressed) of a keyboard. A keylogger is a form of spyware where users are unaware their actions are being tracked.
what is keylogger software used for?
A keylogger may be used for an assortment of purposes like hackers can utilize it to maliciously access your personal data, while companies may use them to track employee activities. Some keyloggers may also capture your screen at random intervals; all these are referred to as screen recorders. Keylogger software typically stores your keystrokes in a small file, which can be either obtained afterward or automatically emailed to the individual tracking your activities.
Is a keylogger a virus?
Yes, Hackers can use keyloggers as virus or malware to steal your personally identifiable information. That might include, credit card numbers, financial information, PIN codes for financial accounts, social media accounts, usernames, passwords, and other your private information.
how do I protect myself against a keylogger?
How do I protect myself against a keylogger? To help protect yourself from the keylogger virus, use caution when participating in any online activity. This can help protect your PC or devices and private information against cybercriminals using software like keyloggers for malicious purposes. The best tips for being careful online include not opening attachments or downloading files from unknown sources because they are embedded with malware software that contains a keylogger. Additionally, watch for phishing scams. Please using powerful and unique passwords, encrypting your passwords, and utilizing two-factor authentication will help protect your PC or devices from getting hacked. You can also use Anti-keyloggers are created to detect keyloggers in your computer by comparing your documents from people within a keylogger database. Please Install the Best antivirus to protect your PC against keyloggers.